Resume for MBA Application: Examples & Template for 2023

You’re about to see a perfect MBA resume sample. Better yet?

In 7 minutes, you’ll learn all you need to know to write an equally great MBA resume yourself.

The best MBA programs are insanely competitive—they attract thousands of aspiring, talented professionals from all over the globe. Some of them might have more business experience than you. Some might have graduated from more prestigious colleges.

The good news?

You’re going to beat them all.

How?

Just apply the key resume writing strategies I’m about to share with you.

This guide will show you:

• An MBA resume sample better than 9 out of 10 other resumes.
• How to write an MBA application resume even if you have little experience.
• Tips and examples of how to put skills and achievements on an MBA resume.
• How to describe your experience on a resume for MBA applications to get any job you want.

Here's a sample MBA resume made using our resume builder.

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Use this resume template

Sample resume made with our builder— See more resume examples here.

One of our users, Nikos, had this to say:

[I used] a nice template I found on Zety. My resume is now one page long, not three. With the same stuff.

Looking to get funding for your MBA program? Check out how to write a scholarship resume: Scholarship Resume: Sample & Writing Guide

Writing an MBA graduate resume? Learn how to put MBA on a resume with help from:  Resume Education Section: What to Include and How to Do It

Or switch over to our business resume examples:

• Business Resume
• Banker Resume
• Consultant Resume
• Investment Banking Resume
• Executive Resume
• Entrepreneur Resume
• Manager Resume
• Operations Manager Resume
• Product Manager Resume
• Project Manager Resume
• Business Administration Resume
• Management Consultant Resume
• Business Owner Resume

• College Application Resume Example
• Resume For Graduate School Example
• Undergraduate Resume Example
• Academic Resume Examples
• Resume Examples for any profession & industry

1

What’s the Best MBA Resume Format?

Admission committees have to review thousands of MBA applications.

That’s why they don’t actually read every document they receive. They skim them to find what’s most relevant.

You have to make it easy for them.

How?

Choose a proper MBA resume template.

Begin with dividing your resume into sections.

Got years of professional experience? Lead with your work history. Here's the right resume sections order:

Sample MBA Resume Template (Experienced Candidates)

1. Contact Information
2. Professional Profile
3. Work Experience
4. Education
5. Skills (Optional)
6. Awards, Certifications, Additional Achievements

Applying for an MBA program without much experience in the big business world? Here’s a proper template for you:

Sample MBA Resume Template (Less Than 2 Years Experience)

1. Contact Information
2. Resume Objective (or a Career Goal)
3. Academic Experience
4. Work Experience
5. Awards and Honors

In each section, list your experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your current or most recent activities.

Pro Tip: How should your resume look? Certain schools only accept resumes written using their predefined MBA Word resume templates available on their websites. If such is the case: you have to play by their rules. Also, make sure to read all application requirements carefully. Usually, admissions committees will ask candidates to submit their resumes using a uniform file name template, for instance: FirstName_LastName_Resume.

For more information on resume formatting, visit our dedicated guide: How to Make the Most of Your Resume Format

Here’s some food for thought:

MBA programs don’t only educate.

Their purpose is to bring together a group of future leaders and global executives. MBAs offer a unique networking opportunity.

What does it mean for you?

That your business school resume has to show what value you’ll bring to the network of alumni.

The best place to convey this message is at the very top of your resume—in a section called Professional Profile or a Resume Objective.

It’s a short, snappy paragraph that summarizes your best achievements.

Write a Professional Profile if you’re experienced. Give an outline of your career and sum up what you’ve accomplished.

Little experience? Go for a Resume Objective. Discuss what you’ve learned so far and how this knowledge can contribute

Let’s see some examples.

Sample MBA Resume Professional Profile

See that? “I’m a successful professional with data-backed results and I wish to grow professionally while sharing my expertise with others.” That bottom line will impress every MBA admissions committee.

I know what you’re thinking—not everyone’s trophy case is equally impressive.

If you don’t have a proven business track record yet, here’s an example of what your MBA resume objective should sound like:

MBA Resume Example: Resume Objective

WOW, right? “I might not have as much experience as other candidates, but I have something unique to offer: helping you understand what my generation is willing to spend their money on.”

The gist of it?

Proving you’re unique.

Most of your competitors have similar job titles and background. The key for your MBA resume is to show you’ve got something no one else has.

Pro Tip: Wondering if pursuing an MBA is really worth it? Consider this: a recent report found that MBA alumni saw an 80% increase in their salaries upon graduation. Motivating, isn’t it?

When making a resume in our builder, drag & drop bullet points, skills, and auto-fill the boring stuff. Spell check? Check. Start building a  professional resume template here for free.

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When you’re done, Zety’s resume builder will score your resume and tell you exactly how to make it better.

Looking for more inspiration on how to craft a great professional profile or an objective? Read: Resume Profile Examples for Every Profession and Sample Resume Objectives that Get Jobs

3

How to Describe Your Experience on an MBA Application Resume

Here comes the crucial part of your resume for business school programs. Your work experience.

This is where you have to prove you really mean business applying for an MBA.

This is what to do, step by step:

How to Write a Resume for an MBA Application: Work History Section

1. List your jobs in reverse-chronological order. Start with your current or most recent position, follow it with the one before it, and so on.
2. Underneath each position, add up to 5 bullet points: keep them focused on how you do your job better than someone else with the same title. Focus on achievements, not just day-to-day duties.
3. Quantify whenever possible. Don’t say you “significantly increased sales.” Say how much exactly. Numbers pop!

But enough theory. Time to see how it work in practice:

MBA Resume Examples: Work History

Pro Tip: How long should your resume be? Unlike a regular resume you’d use to land a job, you don’t need to stick to a one-pager. Two-page resumes are OK for an MBA application—you don’t want to skip important details about your career. They might just make all the difference.

For more information on how to make sure your resume work history section dazzles every reader, see: Work Experience on a Resume: Job Description Bullet Points Samples and Templates

Don’t have the wealth of experience of our candidates from the above samples?

Pay attention. The following resume section is going to be the make-or-break moment of your MBA application:

As I’ve written above: if you’re not an experienced business professional, your education is your best asset to showcase on an MBA resume.

If such is the case, put it above your work history.

List:

• Your degree
• Your major
• Your minors (if applicable)
• Graduation date
• Your GPA

But don’t stop there! Include extra details such as your favorite fields of study or extracurricular academic activities.

Just like this candidate did:

MBA Resume Sample: Education

But—

If you’ve got more than 2 years of professional experience, in your education section, limit yourself to the basics: your degree, your college, and the graduation date. If you’ve been awarded Dean’s List Honors or graduated Magna Cum Laude—mention that, of course. But don’t go on droning about additional, unnecessary details (no matter how proud of them you are).

You’ve already learned that this resume section is optional.

Your MBA resume is different from a regular resume you’d use to apply for jobs: it’s more about painting a unique picture of your career progress than it is about resume keywords and tailoring your resume to a specific job offer.

Your skills should shine through all your other resume sections—you should construct your resume in a way that proves you’re skilled in your field.

If you do decide to include a skills list: make it short and sweet. List software you’re proficient in and the most important industry skills.

But don’t make a list of soft skills.

“ Leadership,” “ Time management,” “ Communication skills”? These might be a fine weapon for battling through ATS. But MBA selection committee members would just give them a condescending smile.

Skills lists are arbitrary. Here’s what isn’t:

(And I don’t mean your hobbies & interests.)

This part could well be the best selling point of your whole resume.

It’s where you list your unquestionable wins. Have a look:

What To List in an MBA Resume Additional Sections

• Industry awards
• Certifications
• Publications (both online and in print)
• Industry blog
• Additional training
• Participation in conferences

What about extra resume sections for MBA applicants without much professional experience?

Focus on what you’ve accomplished during your college years.

Include:

• Honor Rolls inclusions
• Dean’s Lists
• Subject-related awards
• College fair awards
• Publications in student journals
• Volunteer-related awards

For more ideas on how to make the final section of your resume truly stellar, give this handy guide a read: Resume Accomplishments to Prove Your Skills: Tips & Examples

Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here. Here's what it may look like:

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See more cover letter templates and start writing.

Your MBA resume will get you accepted for that dream MBA program if you follow these key strategies:

• Put a Professional Profile or a Resume Objective at the top of your resume. Show off your best achievements and highlight your strengths.
• In your work history section, focus on what sets you apart from the rest of the field.
• Elaborate on your education if you’re not experienced. Leave the education section succinct if you are.
• Include additional sections that showcase your verifiable accomplishments: awards, certifications, conference participation, etc.

All check?

I hope your MBA experience is going to be one hell of a ride!

Got any more questions? Need further help? I can’t wait to hear your thoughts! Drop me a line in the comments and I’ll get back to you right away. Let’s chat!